Cannellini Bean Spread WITH CARAMELIZED ONIONS

Ingredientes

PREP TIME: 15 MINUTES

COOK TIME: 40 MINUTES

SERVINGS: 6 TO 8

3 (15.5-ounce) cans cannellini beans

½ medium onion, untrimmed

3 medium carrots, unpeeled

4 celery stalks, untrimmed

2 bay leaves

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

½ teaspoon Dijon mustard

FOR THE CARAMELIZED

ONIONS

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 medium onions, sliced into thin strips

2 tablespoons tomato paste

Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Instruções

1. Drain the cannellini beans and place them in a medium pot with the onion, carrots, celery, bay leaves, and salt and pepper to taste. Cover with water (about 8 cups), bring to a boil, and simmer for 20 minutes.

2. Drain the beans, reserving 1 cup of the water for making the caramelized onions, and discard the carrots, onion, celery, and bay leaves.

3. With an immersion blender, blend the beans into a smooth paste. Add the garlic, olive oil, mustard, and more salt and pepper to taste. Blend for another minute and set aside.

4. For the caramelized onions: Place a medium pan over medium heat and add the olive oil. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced onions and 2 tablespoons of the reserved water to allow the onions to soften. Cook until the onions are golden brown. Add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Gradually add 3 to 4 tablespoons more water to allow the paste to fully cook and blend with the onion. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Add salt and pepper to taste.

5. Place the cannellini bean dip on a plate and top with the caramelized onions.

6. Serve hot.

Notas

Romanian fasole batuta, or "whipped beans", is a cannellini bean spread with caramelized onions. It is packed with flavor and protein, and one of my personal favorites when it comes to traditional Romanian dishes. This spread brings out the very best of beans and is proof how they can be the star of the show. The tomatoey caramelized onions, of course, bring everything together beautifully! But you can't underestimate the power of those cannellini beans. They come out creamy, rich, and super satisfying.